Have you made a difference today?

If you are thinking that touching a life is too hard... you just don't have 'enough' to make a difference for someone else let me help you out. It doesn't take much - mostly a creative touch. And, often, not even that. The biggest key is purpose. Purposing to go out of your way to help out a friend (or foe) and letting them know that they are special.

If you live in the Elk River area and you are looking for a GREAT way to make a difference here are a few awesome options for touching a life...

10. Pack a bag of groceries and drop them off at the Caer Food Shelf. There need is incredibly high right now. With our economy in the tanks they are in desperate need to keep up with the demand. If you don't have a whole bag of goods? Just drop a thing or two.

9. Drop a gift at one of the local drop sights for the local Christmas Gift's Anonymous. Though the deadline was December 15th I'm sure that the needs are great enough that they would welcome another donation. If that doesn't work for you... perhaps adopt a family in need and be Santa for them. There are many families shy on Christmas money this year and could really use a helping hand.

8. If December is too busy for you but you still want to do something perhaps consider giving time to Harvest Outreach. This organization gives out food to hundreds of people monthly and can always use a helping hand. While you are looking at their website take a second or two and check out the other opportunities that they have available!

7. Perhaps you have a love for babies and would like to help support the local Pregnancy Center. Abba Pregnancy Resource Center is in constant need of donations and labor to keep their doors open and ministering to Mom's in need. Constantly taking clothes and baby supply donations (or money) they are a great resource for making a difference. And, if you would rather spend a few hours.... they are always looking for laborers to lend a helping hand.

6. If all that takes too much and you want something that would help you out too? Maybe take a box or two (empty) and fill 'em up with items that you no longer need and drop them at one of the thrift shops. They are dependent on our donations and all are aimed at helping others. Whether it's the Thrift Shop, Salvation Army or Good Will... your donation to them would not only clean your home but would help many others.

5. Okay, so I'm not being creative enough yet? Here's this for easy.... You get up in the morning, head out the door and through your favorite local coffee shop drive-thru. Simply pay for the person's coffee behind you. It'll leave 'em scratching their head and smiling all day! Easy, simple and so much fun!

4. How 'bout baking a whole load of cookies (or a dozen or two) and heading across the street to your neighbors. A sweet treat in the cold is hardly ever denied. Your neighbor will smile and it might be nice to say hi instead of waving while dashing into your houses.

3. Gargle up and train your throat for a day.... and then head out with the fam or a few friends and go caroling!!! If you don't have a penchant for Merry Christmas tunes like I do then you could pick some classy 'holiday' tunes instead. The nursing home loves visitors. They get a few more than normal this time of year, but tuck a few goodies in your pocket and head out to the high rises or nursing homes and no matter how you sing it will be well appreciated!

2. One that most don't think about that can make a huge difference... is really quite simple. It's as easy as dropping a coin in the Salvation Army Buckets, but not as costly. Simply watch when you head out shopping. Do you see any little ol' ladies and gents packing bags into their cars? Why not stop and lend a hand. They'll be shocked, amazed, relieved and pleasantly pleased. It's not often that you see young 'whippersnappers' stopping in the chill to help out someone. Or, better yet, stop and help a mom of toddlers load her entire cart into her car. You'll save her precious minutes of patience and leave her wondering where you came from and whether or not you are an angel.

1. Unless you are really in for some fun and want to adopt a homeless person..... why not invite a "loner" to Christmas dinner. There are many many out there that will be alone for the entire holiday season and would love a bit of company. Perhaps a neighbor, perhaps a friend, perhaps a neighbor. Maybe think of adopting them for a meal or a day and really make the feel like family. It can make such a difference!

Whatever you choose to do? Whether on this list or not... I'd love to hear about it. But, even moreso, I'd love to know that you completed the task from the bottom of your heart. Giving your all and blessing with the bestest of best that you have. It's just an awesome way to be! Because, in reality, giving someone a blessing doesn't even take walking out the front door.